The University of Melbourne’s exclusive partnership with the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) has been renewed for another seven years, with students, staff, and Victorian primary school students all set to benefit.
The renewed partnership will launch in 2025, coinciding with the 50th anniversary celebrations of the ACO, and will combine the orchestra’s world-class musical expertise with the university’s wide-reaching influence and reputation for educational excellence.
It aims to build on the existing five-year collaboration (2020-2024) by strengthening professional training opportunities for Melbourne Conservatorium of Music students, within the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music. The agreement will also support the launch of the renowned ACO Foundations program in Victoria, which will begin at a yet-to-be-selected Victorian primary school.
“The ACO partnership renewal, generously supported by the Sidney Myer University Trust, ensures our continued investment in the life-changing potential of music education,” says University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Maskell.
“My own life trajectory was transformed by music education from an early age. I learned several woodwind instruments then went on to play in orchestras and bands ranging from classical to rock. These experiences led to enriching, formative opportunities that would otherwise have been out of reach.”
Improving music education and engagement
ACO Managing Director Richard Evans says the renewed partnership will extend the successful collaborations of the past five years and will also pave the way for significant advancements in music education through improved training, program development and research.
“The ACO is delighted to renew its extraordinarily successful partnership with the University of Melbourne,” says Evans.
“Over the past five years the ACO has been honoured to contribute to the musical education and training of the string students enrolled in the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, as well as work alongside the university’s world-class music and education researchers. We very much look forward to continuing to play a role in developing the next generation of Australia’s professional string players through this partnership.”
Throughout the seven-year renewed partnership, students at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music – from bachelor to doctoral levels – will benefit from two annual intensive ensemble training sessions and side-by-side experiences with elite ACO musicians. Access to masterclasses and professional development workshops will also be a significant component.
Bringing out the right note in young students
A unique new element of the partnership is the launch of the ACO Foundations program in Victoria. The important initiative will deliver intensive music education, shown to enhance cognitive, emotional, and behavioural development in primary school children, with free music and instrumental lessons to students in low socio-economic schools.
The ACO will deliver the five-year pilot program, based on research highlighting the beneficial changes to brain function through playing an instrument and modelled on its successful program in New South Wales.
“Learning a musical instrument from a young age has been proven to have deep and far-reaching benefits, and we are thrilled that the university has made such an important commitment in changing the lives of young Victorians — particularly those who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to receive a quality music education,” says Evans.
